Blow up: meaning, definitions and examples

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blow up

 

[ bləʊ ʌp ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

explosion

To explode or destroy something by detonating an explosive. It can refer to both intentional and accidental explosions.

Synonyms

destroy, detonate, explode

Examples of usage

  • The terrorists tried to blow up the bridge with a bomb.
  • The gas leak caused the house to blow up unexpectedly.
Context #2 | Verb

inflate

To fill something, such as a balloon, with air or gas until it becomes larger and rounder.

Synonyms

expand, inflate, pump up

Examples of usage

  • She asked her brother to blow up the balloons for the party.
  • He used a pump to blow up the inflatable mattress.

Translations

Translations of the word "blow up" in other languages:

🇵🇹 explodir

🇮🇳 विस्फोट करना

🇩🇪 explodieren

🇮🇩 meledak

🇺🇦 підірвати

🇵🇱 wysadzić

🇯🇵 爆発する (bakuhatsu suru)

🇫🇷 exploser

🇪🇸 explotar

🇹🇷 patlamak

🇰🇷 폭발하다 (pokbalhada)

🇸🇦 ينفجر (yanfajir)

🇨🇿 vyhodit do povětří

🇸🇰 vyhodiť do vzduchu

🇨🇳 爆炸 (bàozhà)

🇸🇮 razstreliti

🇮🇸 sprengja

🇰🇿 жару

🇬🇪 აფეთქება (apet'qeba)

🇦🇿 partlatmaq

🇲🇽 explotar

Word origin

The term 'blow up' originated in the mid-17th century, with 'blow' meaning to puff or emit a current of air and 'up' indicating an increase in size or intensity. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass both explosive destruction and inflation, reflecting the dual meanings it carries today.